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Council weighs vacant-property registration requiring escalating fees; intent to reduce hazards emphasized
Summary
City staff proposed a vacant-property registration ordinance that would require owners to register vacant buildings, impose escalating fees the longer a property remains vacant and levy a $500 penalty for failure to register; council discussed compliance concerns and fire-hazard risks and asked for further consideration.
Community Development Director Kusek presented a draft vacant-property registration ordinance on Feb. 17 that would require property owners to register vacant structures in Alliance, assess fees that increase the longer a property remains vacant, and impose a $500 penalty for failing to register.
Council members raised practical questions about enforcement and potential avoidance tactics: Councilman Yates worried that owners might move between properties to evade the requirements, while Councilman Turman said the ordinance’s intent should be to encourage occupancy rather than to punish owners. Mayor McGhehey noted vacant properties can create fire hazards. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; discussion was left open for further refinement and review.
Staff sought clarification about whether personal storage in vacant properties should be permitted under the registration rules; that point was not resolved during the meeting and will require additional staff work.
